Shabbat Shalom fro Jerusalem

120831

31^st August 2012.

Shabbat Shalom, dear Friends. I hope this letter finds you well wherever you may be.

Rachel Corrie has been a boon to Israel haters all over the world but, as a court in Haifa decided this week, Rachel Corrie should not have been where she was and thus her family is not due compensation!  She came to Israel with provocation in mind, together with a group of pro-Palestinian activists. The Army spokesperson and the police warned the group that they should not g into the area considered highly dangerous and a war zone. We are not talking Tiananmen Square and a lone figure in front of a tank in an otherwise deserted square, Rachel Corrie stepped in front of a tank in an area of contention and danger filled with rocks and brush – she should not have been there. I am sorry that her family suffered a tragedy but it is not Israel's fault. If only the so deeply moved and sensitive world would pay the same homage to our Rachels – the ones who didn't incite or invite their own deaths. These Rachels were just going about their daily routine when terrorists, those who Rachel Corrie supported, took their lives in the most heinous fashion.http://www.tomgrossmedia.com/TheForgottenRachels.html 

Ban Ki Moon, the eighth and current Secretary-General of the United Nations, after succeeding Kofi Annan in 2007 finally did what he and his predecessors should have done many years ago. He stood up in front of the Conference of non-Aligned Countries in Teheran and demanded that they stop their constant threats for the annihilation of Israel, a Member country of the UN and the denial of history, of the Holocaust. His words were predominantly aimed at Ahmedinejad and Khameini but many countries attending this particular conference should heed his words. Hopefully they are not empty words but carry a strong message of change.   http://video.xin.msn.com/watch/video/un-chief-slams-iran-over-holocaust-remarks/yqvcypdo?preview=true 

Pat Condell is an occasionally offensive, always cuttingly outspoken atheist who is conceivably one of the last of true grit Brits who maintain the original British ability to speak clearly, in an elegantly intelligent manner and use irony and honesty to debunk myths. Here he ridicules the pseudo-intellectuality of The Guardian and its readers - which equally applies to the NY Times or the LA Times.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOgV6Fvc8wc  Check out his entire youtube site it is worth it

I doubt that you heard of last nights bombardment of Hamas missiles on Southern Israel or that it resulted in a direct hit on a house in Sderot. No one was hurt because we are a country prepared for this war of attrition. The residents were awoken from their clumber by a "Red Alert" siren and raced down to the shelter, thus saving their lives. No-one should have to live like that.

Sadly, not everyone is sweet and well brought up in Israel and I am ashamed, deeply ashamed of two incidents last week.

In one incident Israeli Jewish teenagers beat up a young Arab in the centre of Jerusalem. The perpetrators are in detention awaiting trial. Israel is ashamed by their behaviour and Speaker of the Knesset Rubi Rivlin visited the injured boy in hospital to apologise on behalf of the country and offer his help.http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4272224,00.html

In the second incident 12 and 13 year old boys from the Israeli settlement of Bat Ayin threw a Molotov cocktail at a passing Palestinian taxi – badly injuring those inside.  We are disgusted and angry that Israel's name is dirtied alongside these terrorists. Tag Machir (Price Tag) is a Jewish terror organization and the fact that so far no-one has died as a result of their lunacy is pure luck. They do not represent my views, or of anyone I know. Their actions are the antithesis of Judaism. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4274254,00.html

The activist cry of siege and oppression in and on Gaza is a myth. Of course there is no siege (only maritime to prevent arms shipments) and of course Israel not only allows foreign aid into Gaza but provides huge amounts of aid herself. Taking all of that into consideration Khaled Abu Toameh asks a simple question.How Many Millionaires Live in the "Impoverished" Gaza Strip? His answer came in the unlikely form of an investigative report published in the pan-Arab newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, there are at least 600 millionaires living in the Gaza Strip. The newspaper report also refutes the claim that Gaza has been facing a humanitarian crisis because of an Israeli blockade.http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3308/gaza-millionaires

The Southern United States, and New Orleans in particular, has again suffered a terrible storm. I pray that everyone will be safe and have homes to return to.

Syria. I have no words, I do not understand why the ethnic cleansing of non-Alowites has been allowed to continue unabated. It is as logical as allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. I recall President Peres speech where he was amused to read of India's unsuccessful search for a State Executioner. "I have no problem with a country that cannot find anyone to work as an executioner having nuclear weapons but countries like Iran, who have ready executioners should not"

Talking of Shimon Peres. Zvi and I were invited by KKL Chairman Effie Stenzler to the ceremony of the Society for a Beautiful Israel in which KKL received the award of the most important organization toward that aim. 110 years of KKL and everything that entails, from trees to towns, from desalinization to agricultural breakthroughs, KKL is the most successful and effective of organizations. The ceremony was held on the lawns of the Presidents House (and this time I managed to walk across the lawn without breaking my ankle) and President Peres rose to speak he yet again thrilled an amazed his audience with his memory and knowledge, his erudition and eloquence and most of all his sense of humour.  “KKL-JNF represents an entire people, not just a country,”  Well done Effie, well done KKL and thank you Mr President. http://www.kkl.org.il/eng/about-kkl-jnf/green-israel-news/august-2012/beautiful-israel-award/

The Paralympic Games is taking place in London and Israel already got  a bronze medal http://cifwatch.com/2012/08/28/israels-paralympic-team-in-london/ The incredible story of how the Paralymics began, by an orthopaedic surgeon at the famous Stoke Mandeville hospital, a refugee from the Shoah. Fascinatinghttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19374513

This week we went to collect our gas masks – for us and for all the children and grandchildren since they think we are over-reacting!  Since I have told you often, no event in Israel takes place without food. Zvi stood in line, armed with everybody's ID cards, I sat in Aroma til he arrived enjoying my wonderful coffee and a "half" sandwich – which is enormous in itself.  A lady came to speak to me as I sat enjoying my treats, a huge pile of gas mask boxes beside me and wanted to take a picture of us sitting eating lunch and chatting over coffee. I asked why "To show my friends back in the States" she responded "they don't understand the paradox of life here. You sitting having a lovely time and laughing with your husband in a shopping mall while the gas masks are beside you" "Aha" said I " You should tell them that this is the perfect example of Israeli schizophrenia" I responded. "We are lucky because unlike the USA and Europe we know exactly who are enemies are, recognize that it has always been the same and will never change and we are prepared. If we stop enjoying ourselves then this war of attrition will be lost" It's true dear friends. We are the hors d'ouevres you are the main course!

Children went back to school this week – and we have two little grand-daughters starting Kita Aleph (1^st year) Uniforms and excitement and exhaustion all combined in a highly successful operation. May they learn and continue to be "curiouser and curiouser " and become adults who give back to the world.

I was fascinated to discover that an ancient Navaho Moose symbol was on sale on ebay…….. just take a peek!   http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&hash=item2a210a6510&item=180942955792&nma=true&pt=US_Fine_Necklaces_Pendants&rt=nc&si=NYLwrZb%252BlHP77UDmkohUGbLQQ5o%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc#ht_4162wt_984

Jerusalem is quietly closing down. The shops are emptying as everyone goes home to prepare for Shabbat. Either sleeping or cooking! Tonight we celebrate Zvi's eldest sons birthday and as most families in Israel we will gather for the traditional lighting of the Shabbat Candles, our little grand-daughters joining me in the beautiful ceremony to welcome the bride of Shabbat into our home their faces glowing with pride in the candlelight;  Kiddush, as Zvi sings the blessing over wine in his wonderful bass-baritone voice just as his father did and mine; the ha Motseh – the blessing over the two Challot, the traditions which hold us firmly together as a family and as a people.

The song I chose for you this week is "Halleva'I" sung beautifully by Boaz Sharabi. More of a prayer than a song   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwEatU285N8&feature=related 

I wish you Shabbat Shalom and much love from Jerusalem, the most incredible and fascinating city in the world that I am proud to call home.

With much love

Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

120309
9th March 2012

Chag Shushan Purim Sameach!!! Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom to one and all

As one reads the “Megilla” or story of Esther, Uncle Mordechai, King Achasueros and the evil villain Vizier Haman it is really difficult not to make comparisons to today and the situation with Iran. Few leaders are willing to speak out about the true danger of the Iranian nuclear programme, preferring to pull the wool over their constituents eyes by suggesting it is only those pesky Jews in Israel who are in danger.

British Prime Minister David Cameron, however, openly expresses his concerns over the Iranian threat. Speaking to Members of Parliament on the House of Commons liaison committee, the Prime Minister said Tehran is “clearhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifly very dangerous for the region because it would trigger a nuclear arms race,” but that Iran is also “a danger more broadly, not least because there are signs that the Iranians want to have some sort of intercontinental missile capability.”
“So we have to be clear this is a threat potentially much wider than just Israel and the region,” he said. http://bicom.org.uk/news-article/5812/


I wonder what role Muhammed El Baradei plays in this modern day Purim spiel? When discussing the new findings of the IAEA no-one mentions the fact that he was the worlds watch-dog on the Iranian Nuclear programme for the years that Iran was secretly developing a very sophisticates system yet he has since been exposed as a member of the Moslem Brotherhood. How did this happen? Who was watching the watchdog?

While threatening the world the Iranians kill Christians. 32 year old Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani was charged with apostasy, found guilty and sentenced to death. According to this article the sentence was carried out today. The crime according to the court record? “He has frequently denied the prophethood of the great prophet of Islam and the rule of the sacred religion of Islam. And he has proven http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhis apostasy by organizing evangelistic meetings and inviting others to Christianity, establishing a house church, baptizing people, expressing his faith to others and, denying Islamic values. “ http://bluestarchronicles.com/2012/03/03/youcef-nadarkhani-executed-christian-pastor-hanged-in-iran-for-being-christian/

Pat Condell is a highly irreverent, typically outspoken Brit. He says what we all think and fear to voice. In this most recent video he speaks of the ludicrous situation whereby Syria sits on the Human Rights council anhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifd Israel is vilified! http://dotsub.com/view/3ded8dbc-6612-4822-9d91-e605b59d05fd
Shimon Peres is a RAPPER!! The eternally young 88 year old President of the State of Israel has produced a new rap video for his Facebook page call (what else) “Be my friend for peace”. I love it!! Send it to all your lists and let's make it go viral. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ana9w3uSNA

Yesterday Zvi and I met up with the Mexican/San Diego artisthttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif Becky Guttin in Jerusalem http://web.mac.com/beckyguttin/Site/Home.html Becky is here to build a wonderful Magen David shaped amphitheatre close to the home of Hora Jerusalem's David Efron Dance Centre to provide a venue for small performances to groups and a place to sit on a balmy Jerusalem summers evening. We went to the Botanical Gardens for lunch – the first opportunity for months since the rains started. The weather was perfect, the gentle spring sun shone down on us to warm our hearts and the black swans glided on the water of the little lake. We watched fascinated as a turtle sat immobile on a rock in the water, soaking up the last rays of sun then wearily, as if to say that he understood there was no more, he slid into the cold water to seek food. The gardens are waking up, the trees beginning to leaf and the spring flowers to show their startling beauty against the brown earth. What a lovely place and the food........... mmmmmmm. I of course took my regular delight – Oreganatto Sweet Potato Salad.

Last night we went to the Jerusalem branch of the Israel Cancer Society Ball. Held at the breathtaking Bible Lands Museum which donates the venue http://www.blmj.org/en/index.php. It seemed so incongruous, nay surreal as hundreds of Israeli cowboys were walking through the normally hallowed hallways of the ancient history of the Middle East. Yes, you heard me – pure bred Israeli cowboys!!! It was so much fun as the normally elegant elite of Jerusalem dressed in chaps, stetsons and boots, ready to dance, sing and empty their pockets for a wonderful cause. One of the highlights was a young stand-up artist called Reshef Levi who amazed us all when he told us that he has seven children (“but then I have a crazy wife who thinks that's normal”!). Reshefs humour is gentle and personal as he took us into his home life and then asked questions of the audience. Of course he couldn't think of anything funny to say about the fact I was Welsh (he doesn't know the truth!!!) except to ask the age-old question “Are there really Jews in Wales”?

Do you know what an Adloyada is? Well most Israelis don't either!even though many go to one!! There are Adloyadas or parades in town centres all over Israel but few know what the name means. Ad lo Yada (until he didn't know) refers to the level of “enjoyment” one is supposed to derive from a generous tipple on Purim so that one cannot differentiate between Haman and Mordechai – between evil and good – as I told you in the past. We are not supposed to hold grudges, wreak vengeance so tradition suggests that we create just enough haze to make us happy. OK back to Adloyadas! Children and adults in fancy dress watch other people in fancy dress on floats as they float and dance and march through the town centre. Here in Jerusalem we tend to do things differently! Tomorrow, Shushan Purim, there will be street performers and singing on Ben Yehuda and Mamilla and we intend taking the grandchildren to see the spectacle. Meanwhile tonight the parties have started and the aromas of barbeques fill the smoky air as Israelis celebrate the triumph of good over evil with more than a little prayer that it will happen again in the near future.

By the way, did you notice my (un)deliberate mistake? Wheres there certainly was a miracle here – there wasn't a dreidle to be seen – they used them all onChanuka!!!

Shabbat shalom dear friends. Never give up hope even when things look more than a little bleak. It is said that we get the leaders we deserve so let's ensure that we deserve the best because otherwise … no I refuse to be miserable!!

With much love from a joyous Jerusalem, as stunningly beautiful as ever.

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

111104

4th November 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope this letter finds you well.

I am so excited this Friday morning since I awoke to the sound of rain, heavy rain, glorious, life giving rain! Admittedly I am equally thrilled that it didn't rain yesterday or the day before which gave me the opportunity to sit in the crisp autumnal sunshine of Jerusalem with my lovely cousin Debbie and with Nancy and Harry – but more about that later!

Have you noticed that Western diplomats involved with Israel and her neighbours are critical of Israel when in power and suddenly when they leave their positions they write books and the truth comes out........ Israel has been flexible and agreeable whereas the Palestinians have been rigid and against any solution however equable? Dennis Ross did it, Tony Blair did it and now Condoleeza Rice is doing it in her new book. She quotes Ehud Olmert's offer to the PA as the most generous ever and Abbas did not consider it a starting point for negotiations. By the same token how can the USA, UK, and most of Europe play the outraged idealists concerning a few homes being built in Jerusalem, when they know full well that the Palestinians are building as if there is no tomorrow within Jerusalem city limits!!!

Judge Richard Goldstone wrote a truly surprising and accurate article in the NY Times refuting any claims that Israeli society resembles the South African Apartheid regime in any way or form. Professor Gerald Steinberg writes “Confronting former allies after an honest change of heart is tough; Richard Goldstone deserves to be embraced and congratulated.” http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?id=244036&R=R7

UNESCO voted to accept the Palestinian Authority into its once august midst. UNESCO UN-Educated UN-Scientific UN-Cultured and UN-Organised The Palestinian educational system does not in any way or form meet UNESCO's criteria, their books deride the Infidel (that's Jews and Christians) and deny the existence of Israel. Please read the academic report of IMPACT-SE presented to UNESCO on the lack of tolerance in PA. schooling http://www.impact-se.org/research/pa/index.html

This isn't a first for UNESCO however. Thanks to Barbara Ledeen for this wonderful quote.
When Golda Meir visited Princeton – when no longer Prime Minister in 1978 - , at a question and answer section in the main auditorium of the university, one of the students asked her: “Why was it that UNESCO had rejected Israel and accepted the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for membership/associate membership.
Golda replied that that was a question that should be addressed to UNESCO, not to her.
The student responded: That is of course correct but it would be interesting to know your opinion, why UNESCO made these decisions.
Golda replied: As you know, UNESCO stands for the United Nations Education, Science, and Culture Organization. We must assume that these gentlemen, after due consideration, came to the conclusion that the PLO has more to contribute to education, science, and culture than Israel does.
The audience roared with laughter and applauded.

The USA, Canada and Israel rescinded their payments to UNESCO, as they should, but more surprisingly Ban Ki Moon came out with a statement to the PA that he did not support their method of entering the UN through all the subcommittees – a rare statement of great substance.

The South of Israel is still subject to rocket attacks. Egypt warned Islamic Jihad that if they don't stop launching missiles then they will pay the consequences and Western leaders have intimated that Israel must not respond. Maybe we are too polite or just too attentive to world opinion?

Pat Condell is a very clever and totally anti-establishment Brit whose irreverent, but highly relevant videos say what we think. Mr Condell is not PC and is prepared to take the flak http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1N1zhUm84w “Is it racist to say that the Palestinians are the most tiresome cry-babies whose problems are all self inflicted? It probably is”

Since we last spoke we said goodbye to Kim, Robert and Deanna after their frantic week of filming for a documentary on Israel in general and Jerusalem in particular. As soon as I have a link I promise to send it to you and you will find it on the Children of Israel Foundation website.

On Wednesday I met my dear cousin Debbie Gelbard at the Jerusalem YMCA for a wonderful glass of mint tisane and some naughty desserts! The Jerusalem YMCA is conceivably the most beautiful building in Jerusalem. It was so delightful to spend time with Debbie and catch up on our family news, sitting in the last rays of sunshine. As we sat enjoying one another I noticed a young man on the grass who took out his prayer mat, bent his knees bowed down towards Mecca, prayed and then got up and went on his way. So very Jerusalem; sitting in a Christian garden, overlooking the famous King David Hotel, watching the open prayer of a Moslem in a public place. If only Jews and Christians could openly pray in Moslem countries.

Yesterday we met up with Nancy and Harry Bloomfield of Montreal, Canada and Jerusalem. Nancy and Harry have two sons studying in Israel and they simply love Jerusalem! They chose our lunchtime venue and I applaud their taste! The Anna Ticho Artists House is situated right in the centre of town, next to both the original Hadassah Hospital and Rav Kook's House. The Anna Ticho House sits in its own beautiful gardens, inside is a gallery of her works and a restaurant and outside is a large tree lined terrace with tables set with placemats showing her exquisite etchings. The meal was a delight, the company outstanding and my goodness do I enjoy every time Nancy exudes love. She made me laugh when she told me that after arriving exhausted from the long journey from Montreal she immediately went to Shouk mahane Yehuda. A friend called her from Canada to check is she had arrived safely and when the friend asked where she was she said in the Shouk. “Why on earth would you go straight to the Shouk?” asked the friend “Because I wanted a Sheila moment” said Nancy!!!! Apparently you love my stories about the shouk, its sounds aromas, colours, people and atmosphere. I will have to go again next week to absorb some new senses!!

Talking of Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Harper isn't afraid of the Arabs – not only because he has incredible natural resources and enough oil in Alberta to ignore their wealth but because he is a principled man who is not afraid to speak his mind. Now THAT is a leader.

Since I am always persuading you to come to Jerusalem and experience the joys thereof I thought this article essential to your travels. The top 10 public toilets in Jerusalem!!!! http://israel21c.org/travel/the-top-10-toilets-in-jerusalem


Today began early. Zvi and I met with our dearest friend Bernardo Romanowsky for breakfast at Angel's Coffee shop in the gas station of Nayot! It was delicious. You guys don't understand that an Israeli breakfast is so vast and so healthy........... let me explain. One example of many is the “Israeli breakfast” which means an omelette of any combination (I love the herb one), a freshly cut chopped salad in a bowl, an assortment of avocado, tuna and aubergine salads in tiny presentation dishes, three types of white cheese, a freshly squeezed fruit juice and – of course – Cafe hafuch!!!! There are other assorted breakfasts but this is almost a foregone conclusion for most diners! The tiny table was groaning as beside us the first Parliament sitting took place – thank heaven smaller and less vociferous than Zvi's Parliament- and the waitresses all come to say hello, kiss the regulars and even the chef comes to greet everyone at this simple diner. Having spent delightful time with Bernardo, talking about everything from family to baking, to health I came home to write to you!!! Zvi will be back soon and I will drop him at his Parliament and escape to my daughters home to be with the grandchildren, read stories, play games and just cuddle them ensuring they know just how much Safta loves them. Yosef says I love him to the sky and back; Talia says I love her trimillion and baby Aylah just stands akimbo with her arms wide as she can get! I love that my daughters home is filled with the aromas of Shabbat, especially her amazing home baked Challot (she got it from me you know!) My drive back home will thrill me and fill my heart as I pass Samuels Tomb to the sight of Jerusalem set out in her glorious entirety, fresh and glisteningly clean from the blessed rainfall.

Finally, use your last chance to vote for the Dead Sea as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World since the voting ends on 11.11.11 www.new7wonders.com



Shabbat Shalom dear friends, Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, the most beautiful city in the world, centre of our hearts, hopes and prayers.